Page 2 - MidWeek - March 24, 2021

2 MIDWEEK MARCH 24, 2021
The newest U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Vital Statistics Report (say that three times fast) indicates that people living in Hawai‘i live longer than people living in any other state in the union. And, one could argue, with quantity of life here comes quality of life.
There is an obvious price one pays for paradise, but it’s nice to know that we’re No. 1. People here have an average life expectancy of 81 years. In comparison, West Virginia ranks at the bottom of the U.S. life expectancy chart at 74 years.
Stay safe, stay well and sa- vor the moment.
For the seniors in the audience, the news is also good. Hawai‘i ranks No. 1 for life expectancy if you’re already 65-plus years old, with a life expectancy of 86. With the economic, geographic and social pitfalls that we experi- ence, a lot of items do work in our favor here, and these are generalities, including lifestyle, air quality, sunshine, flora, pristine coastlines, exercise, local diet choices (with- in reason), quality health care, strong community bonds, empathy, perspective on life and optimism.
A Zen Buddhist teaching about a tiger has showed the author the importance of appreciating the moments in life taking place right now.
The Rev. Dr. Peggy Price is a minister, teacher, writer and inspirational speaker. She is currently affiliated with the Center for Spiritual Living on Kaua‘i as minister emeritus. She lives with her husband Don in Kalāheo.
While you can quibble about the details of any of these pieces of the longevity puzzle, the realities of poor eat- ing habits, redundant stress, harsh winters, pessimism, tribalism, rampant poverty, and any other proverbial ills you care to throw into the social bouillabaisse are sim- ply not as predominant or applicable here as they are in other states.
For some of us, the past many months may have felt
Savoring The Sweetness Of Life
As the man wrestles with his fate, he notices a ripe, red berry along the side of the precipice. He plucks it, and as he tastes it, he says, “Ah, what a sweet, juicy berry.”
as though we were running from a metaphorical tiger. At the same time, we were facing an uncertain future — barely hanging on by a slender vine. We have experienced the op- posing thoughts of hope and despair.
The compelling, night- marish idea of this story may seem dramatic, but it car- ries an important message. Looking back at the past or trying to predict the future only leads to emotional bat- tles within ourselves. When
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Lynne Johnson and Robin Stephens Rohr. Edited by Sharon Linnéa.
KELLEY
“I’ve had many worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
— Mark Twain
CHASING THE LIGHT
with The Rev. Dr. Peggy Price
WLive Long And Prosper
Iheard a story years ago from the Zen Buddhist teachings about a man who has gone for a walk and discovers he is being fol- lowed by a ferocious tiger. He attempts to get away from it, but as he runs, he finds him- self at the edge of a precipice. Below him are jagged rocks and behind him is the tiger. He then notices a slender vine clinging to the side of the precipice, which seems to be his only hope. He grabs hold and then sees it is being gnawed upon by two mice — one black, one white. He finds himself at choice — to be devoured by the tiger or fall to his death on the rocks below.
hile it’s been a rough 12 months that we are hopefully now leaving behind in the rearview mirror, here’s some minor uplifting news.
we take a breath and live in this precious now moment, we can taste the sweetness of life. Life can be uncertain. These times are uncertain. Life is fragile. Yet, seizing the day and savoring the moment opens us to fully experience this sweet thing we call life.
New Century Schoolbook bold (scaled H 73.6)
Like ‘em or not, local government policies make a difference, as do our relative demeanor, attitude, accep- tance levels, respect, culture oeuvre and other intangibles that help to give us this longevity edge. These positive differences do not minimize problem areas that cry for attention nor resolve growing concerns about this state’s future, but we can humbly acknowledge the melting pot of humanity that’s evolved here, along with our differ- ences. It’s what makes Hawai‘i unique, and possibly a worthwhile petri dish that other locales might study in a quest to improve the quality (and length) of life in their states. East meets West meets Polynesia has proven to be a successful formula, with flaws, for those who care to make this isolated archipelago their home.
Think about it ...
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com